How to Get from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Downtown Boston

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston for most travelers is the MBTA Silver Line SL1 (15-25 minutes, FREE from airport to South Station). Take the free Massport Shuttle from your terminal to Airport Station, then board the Silver Line SL1 to South Station. For direct subway access: MBTA Blue Line (20-30 minutes, $2.40) via free Massport Shuttle. For convenience: Taxi or rideshare (15-30 minutes, $20-40). Logan Airport is remarkably close to downtown—just 3 miles—making all options relatively quick and affordable.

Silver Line SL1 from Logan Airport to Downtown

Taking the Silver Line SL1 from Logan Airport to downtown Boston is the most popular and economical public transit option. This bus rapid transit line runs 24/7, connecting Logan Airport to South Station via the Seaport District. The ride is FREE from the airport to South Station (you only pay if you continue beyond South Station). Travel time is 15-25 minutes. For solo travelers or couples with manageable luggage, this is the best value. During Boston's rush hour traffic (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM), the Silver Line can be slower in the Seaport but is still reliable.

Transport Option	Travel Time	Approximate Cost	Best For	Notes
Silver Line SL1	15-25 minutes	FREE (airport to South Station)	Most travelers, budget travelers	Free from airport, 24/7 service
Blue Line + Subway	20-30 minutes	$2.40 with CharlieCard	North End, Government Center	Requires shuttle to Blue Line
Taxi (metered)	15-30 minutes	$20-40 plus tip	Door-to-door convenience	Available 24/7 at taxi stands

Step-by-Step: How to Take the Silver Line from Logan

When you exit baggage claim at Logan Airport (BOS), follow signs for "Massport Shuttle Buses" (look for the blue signs). The free shuttles (Routes 22, 33, 55, 66) run 24/7, every 5-10 minutes. Take any shuttle to "Airport Station" (the Silver Line stop). At Airport Station, board the Silver Line SL1 (to South Station via Waterfront). The ride is free from the airport to South Station. If you continue beyond South Station, you'll need to pay. The internet says it's easy, but I've seen confused travelers wait at the wrong shuttle stop—make sure you're at a Massport Shuttle stop, not a hotel shuttle stop.

Silver Line Ticket Options and Payment

From airport to South Station: FREE. Beyond South Station: $2.40 with CharlieCard, $2.90 with cash/paper ticket. Payment methods: CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, cash (onboard). The Silver Line is a hybrid bus/subway system—part bus, part tunnel. You only need to pay if you're going beyond South Station. I've seen tourists try to pay when they don't need to—the ride from the airport is free. Just board and enjoy the ride.

Late Night Silver Line from Logan

For late night arrivals (after 1:00 AM), the Silver Line still runs 24/7 but with reduced frequency. Buses run every 30-40 minutes overnight. The Massport Shuttle also runs 24/7. If your flight arrives after midnight, you might wait 20+ minutes. The Silver Line is generally safe with other airport travelers and night shift workers. The internet says the Silver Line runs 24/7, but doesn't mention the longer wait times overnight. If you're arriving after 1 AM and don't want to wait, a taxi might be worth the extra cost.

Silver Line Accessibility and Luggage

The Silver Line SL1 buses are accessible with wheelchair ramps and dedicated spaces. There's room for luggage near the front and back, but during peak times (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), the buses can get crowded with commuters. If you have multiple large suitcases, you might block the aisle. I've been both the tourist with luggage and the commuter—one large bag and a carry-on is manageable; more than that and you're better off with a taxi or rideshare, especially during rush hour when buses are packed.

Blue Line from Logan Airport to Downtown

The MBTA Blue Line connects Logan Airport to downtown Boston via a free Massport Shuttle to the Airport Station. From there, take the Blue Line inbound to downtown stations. Cost: $2.40 with CharlieCard. Travel time: 20-30 minutes to downtown. This option is good if you're staying near State Street, Government Center, or the North End. The Blue Line runs from about 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily.

Blue Line vs Silver Line: Which to Choose?

Silver Line advantages: Free from airport, direct to South Station and Seaport, 24/7 service. Silver Line disadvantages: Can be slower in Seaport traffic, not a true subway. Blue Line advantages: True subway (faster in tunnel), serves different downtown areas, less crowded sometimes. Blue Line disadvantages: Not free ($2.40), not 24/7, requires shuttle transfer. If you're going to South Station or Seaport: Silver Line. If you're going to State Street or Government Center: Blue Line. I've taken both many times—the Silver Line is usually more convenient for first-time visitors.

Blue Line Experience

The Blue Line is a standard subway line. From Logan, take the free Massport Shuttle to the Airport Station. At Airport Station, follow signs to the Blue Line inbound platform. Buy a ticket at the vending machine or use a CharlieCard. Trains run every 6-12 minutes. The ride to Government Center takes about 15 minutes. I've taken the Blue Line with luggage—it's doable but can be crowded during rush hour. The stations have elevators but also stairs.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You arrive at Logan with a hotel near South Station. You see signs for the Blue Line and think, "Subway must be faster." You take the shuttle to the Blue Line, pay $2.40, ride to State Street, then realize you're still a 15-minute walk from your hotel. You've spent $2.40 and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, another traveler took the Silver Line for free, arrived at South Station in 20 minutes, and walked 2 minutes to their hotel. I see this happen—choose your transit based on your final destination, not just mode.

Taxi from Logan Airport to Downtown Boston

The taxi stand at Logan Airport is outside each terminal at the ground transportation area. Follow the "Taxi" signs. Taxis to downtown use meters. The fare starts at $3.20 plus $0.30 per 1/7 mile. Expect to pay $20-40 to most downtown destinations, plus tip (15-20%) and a $3.25 airport fee. Taxis are available 24/7. The ride takes 15-30 minutes without traffic, but during rush hour in the Sumner or Ted Williams Tunnels, it can take 40-50 minutes.

Logan Taxi Experience: The Reality

Many travel guides present taxis as the "easy" option. The reality from Logan: it's often the most expensive choice, and tunnel traffic can be brutal. The meter keeps running in traffic, so a rush hour trip to downtown can cost $40+. For a family of four with luggage, the math might work out—$10-15 per person for a taxi versus free for the Silver Line. I've taken taxis from Logan when arriving exhausted with multiple bags or with elderly family—the door-to-door convenience is worth the premium, but for most solo travelers, the Silver Line is the better choice if you can handle your luggage.

Fares and Surcharges Explained

Base fare: $3.20. Distance rate: $0.30 per 1/7 mile. Waiting time: $0.30 per minute. Airport fee: $3.25 added to all taxi trips from Logan. Additional surcharges: None specifically, but tolls are included in the metered fare if you go through a tunnel. The meter should be running and visible. Don't accept a flat rate quote from a taxi driver—they should use the meter. If a driver offers a flat rate, it's usually higher than the metered fare would be.

Another Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You arrive at Logan at 5:00 PM on a Friday—peak rush hour. You see the taxi line and think, "It's about $25, I'll just take a taxi." The ride takes 45 minutes stuck in tunnel traffic. The meter reads $38, plus $3.25 airport fee, plus $8 tip = $49 total. You arrive at your downtown hotel $49 poorer and exhausted. Meanwhile, another traveler took the Silver Line for free, spent $0, and arrived in 25 minutes. For a solo traveler, that's $49 extra for a slower, more stressful trip. I see this happen all the time—the taxi is tempting, but the Silver Line is a much better value if you're traveling light and alone, especially during rush hour.

Uber & Lyft from Logan Airport

Rideshare Pickup at Logan

Uber and Lyft pickup at Logan is at designated zones in the Central Parking area. Follow signs for "Ride App" or check your app for specific pickup location. Typical cost to downtown: $20-35 depending on vehicle type and demand. During surge pricing (Friday evenings, holidays, bad weather, peak travel times), prices can exceed $50-60. For 2-3 people sharing, this can be cost-competitive with a taxi and more convenient than the Silver Line with luggage.

When Rideshare Makes Sense vs. Taxi

Despite the similar cost, rideshare is worth it when: 1) You want to know the price upfront (taxis are metered so variable). 2) You need a larger vehicle (UberXL, UberSUV). 3) You're going to Cambridge or Somerville (some taxi drivers resist leaving Boston). 4) You prefer the app experience. 5) You want to avoid the taxi line (though rideshare can have waits too). The internet often says "just take a taxi," but during high-demand times, the rideshare pickup area might be less crowded than the taxi line.

Understanding Surge Pricing at Logan

Rideshare prices at Logan fluctuate based on demand. High demand times: Friday evenings (3-9 PM), Sunday evenings (returning travelers), holidays, during bad weather, and peak travel seasons. I've seen UberX prices hit $55 for a downtown trip that normally costs $25 during Thanksgiving weekend. If you see surge pricing, consider: 1) Waiting 15-20 minutes (demand often subsides). 2) Taking a taxi instead (metered, but no surge). 3) Taking the Silver Line to South Station and requesting from there to avoid airport surge pricing.

Airport Shuttle Services from Logan

Shared shuttle vans (like Logan Express) operate from Logan to suburban areas, not downtown. For downtown, the Silver Line is essentially your shuttle. Some private companies offer shared rides to hotels. Cost: $20-35 per person. While it's cheaper than a taxi for solo travelers, I don't actually recommend it for most visitors. The shuttles make multiple stops at different hotels, so your 20-minute ride could become a 45-60 minute tour. After a long flight, waiting for other passengers and making stops is frustrating. The Silver Line is free and more direct.

Shuttle Experience: What to Really Expect

If you do book a shared shuttle, you'll wait at a designated area, the van loads 8-12 passengers with luggage, then begins the circuit of downtown hotels. If you're the first stop: 30-40 minutes. If you're the last stop: 50-60 minutes. The drivers are professional and help with luggage, but the multiple stops test your patience. Some travel blogs say "shuttles are fine," but they're usually written by people with unlimited time or those who got lucky with their stop order.

Who Should Take a Shuttle?

The shuttle is suitable for: 1) Solo travelers wanting door-to-door service at lower cost than taxi. 2) Those going to hotels not near Silver Line stops. 3) People who aren't in a hurry. Not suitable for: Families (cost adds up quickly), those with tight schedules, anyone arriving exhausted, or travelers with lots of luggage (space is limited).

Shuttle vs Silver Line vs Taxi: A Reality Check

Shuttle advantages: Door-to-door, cheaper than taxi for solo travelers. Shuttle disadvantages: Multiple stops, unpredictable timing, shared with strangers. Silver Line advantages: Free, predictable timing, avoids some traffic. Silver Line disadvantages: Not door-to-door, stairs with luggage, can be crowded. Taxi advantages: Direct, available 24/7. Taxi disadvantages: Most expensive for solo travelers, subject to traffic. For $0, the Silver Line gives you predictability the shuttle can't match.

Private Transfer & Car Service

Private transfer services can be pre-booked online. Cost: $60-120+ depending on vehicle type. A driver meets you at baggage claim with a sign, helps with luggage, and drives directly to your destination. While expensive, it's completely stress-free. Luxury sedan: $60-90. SUV for 6 passengers: $90-120. Limousine: $120-150+. This option makes sense for corporate travel, special occasions, or groups wanting luxury service.

When Private Transfer Makes Sense

Despite the high cost, a private transfer is worth it when: 1) You're traveling for business on an expense account. 2) You're a group of 4+ people (splitting makes it reasonable). 3) You're celebrating a special occasion (honeymoon, anniversary). 4) You have mobility issues requiring special assistance. 5) You want absolute certainty and luxury service. The internet often says "just take the Silver Line or a taxi," but for corporate travelers or those celebrating, the $75 sedan transfer is a worthwhile splurge.

Hotel Airport Shuttle Services

Very few downtown Boston hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles from Logan. Some airport-area hotels do, but downtown hotels generally don't. Always confirm when booking. Some luxury hotels (Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton) can arrange paid private transfers starting around $60+. Budget and mid-range hotels rarely offer this service.

Other Bus Options from Logan Airport

MBTA bus routes serve Logan Airport but I don't actually recommend them for airport arrivals with luggage to downtown. The #171 bus goes to Andrew Station, but it's slow and makes many local stops. The Silver Line is free and faster. I've taken the #171 when the Silver Line was down—it was fine, but I wouldn't choose it over the Silver Line. The internet might list buses as an option, but in practice, only the most budget-conscious travelers with unlimited time should consider them.

Logan Express to Suburbs

Logan Express buses go to suburban locations (Braintree, Framingham, Woburn, Peabody). Cost: $9-12 one-way. These are for people going to the suburbs, not downtown. Don't take Logan Express to downtown—it's the wrong direction. I've seen tourists get on the Braintree bus thinking it goes downtown—it doesn't. Only use Logan Express if you're actually going to those suburbs.

Water Taxi Option

From Logan, you can take a water taxi to downtown. Cost: $20-25 per person. Travel time: 7-10 minutes on water. This is a scenic but expensive option. The water taxi dock is at the airport ferry terminal, accessible by free shuttle. I've taken it for the experience—it's fun, but not practical with lots of luggage or in bad weather. Great for a nice day if you want views of the skyline.

Transit Lines: All Stops from Logan to Downtown

From Logan, you have two main transit options: Silver Line SL1 to South Station/Seaport or Blue Line to downtown subway stations. Here are the key stops and travel times:

Silver Line SL1 Route (Logan to South Station)

1. Airport Station - Massport Shuttle connection (0 minutes)
2. Silver Line Way - (3 minutes)
3. World Trade Center - Seaport District (6 minutes)
4. Courthouse - Seaport District (8 minutes)
5. South Station - Downtown, Red Line connection (10-15 minutes)

Silver Line SL1 Beyond South Station (to Washington Street)

If you continue beyond South Station (pay fare required):

1. South Station - (0 minutes)
2. Chinatown - (2 minutes)
3. Tufts Medical Center - (4 minutes)
4. Boylston - (6 minutes)
5. Arlington - (8 minutes)
6. Downtown Crossing - (10 minutes)
7. Various Washington Street stops - (12-20 minutes)

Blue Line Route (Airport to Downtown)

1. Airport - Massport Shuttle connection (0 minutes)
2. Maverick - East Boston (3 minutes)
3. Aquarium - Waterfront, New England Aquarium (7 minutes)
4. State - Financial District, Orange Line connection (9 minutes)
5. Government Center - Downtown, Green Line connection (11 minutes)
6. Bowdoin - Beacon Hill (13 minutes)

Subway Connections from Key Stations

• South Station (Silver Line): Red Line to Harvard, MIT, Kendall Square; Commuter Rail to suburbs.
• State Street (Blue Line): Orange Line to Back Bay, North Station.
• Government Center (Blue Line): Green Line to Back Bay, Fenway, North Station.
• Downtown Crossing (Silver Line beyond South Station): Red Line, Orange Line.

To Back Bay/Fenway from Logan

Option 1: Silver Line SL1 to South Station, walk 10-15 minutes to Back Bay.

Option 2: Silver Line SL1 to South Station, Red Line to Park Street, Green Line to Copley/Back Bay.

Option 3: Blue Line to Government Center, Green Line to Copley/Back Bay.

Option 4: Taxi or rideshare directly (20-30 minutes, $25-45).

To Cambridge (Harvard/MIT) from Logan

Option 1: Silver Line SL1 to South Station, Red Line to Harvard or Kendall/MIT.

Option 2: Blue Line to Government Center, Green Line to Park Street, Red Line to Harvard or Kendall/MIT.

Option 3: Taxi or rideshare directly (20-40 minutes, $30-50).

How to Navigate from Transit to Your Hotel

From South Station (Silver Line): Most Financial District and Seaport hotels are within a 5-10 minute walk. South Station is at Atlantic Ave and Summer Street. For hotels near the Waterfront: Walk east. For hotels near the Financial District: Walk north. For hotels in the Theater District: Walk west.

From Government Center (Blue Line): Most Government Center, West End, and Beacon Hill hotels are within a 5-10 minute walk. Government Center is at City Hall Plaza. For hotels near Quincy Market: Walk east. For hotels near Beacon Hill: Walk west.

Return Trip: Downtown to Logan by Transit

To Logan via Silver Line: From South Station, take the SL1 to Logan (FREE from South Station to Logan). Board at the underground busway at South Station. Travel time: 15-25 minutes.

To Logan via Blue Line: Take Blue Line to Airport Station, then free Massport Shuttle to your terminal. Travel time: 20-30 minutes. Fare: $2.40.

For early morning flights, check the schedule—first Silver Line from South Station is around 5:30 AM, arriving Logan around 5:50 AM. For flights before 7:30 AM, this may be cutting it close—consider a taxi instead.

Logan Airport to Downtown Boston Route Map

The map below shows the routes from Logan International Airport to downtown Boston. The Silver Line travels through the Ted Williams Tunnel to the Seaport and South Station, while the Blue Line goes under the harbor to downtown.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Logan Airport to Downtown Boston on Google Maps

The distance from Logan Airport to downtown Boston is approximately 3 miles (5 km). By car, the most direct routes are via the Sumner or Ted Williams Tunnels, which take 15-30 minutes without traffic. The Silver Line covers a similar distance in 15-25 minutes but is subject to tunnel traffic.

Logan to Downtown: Ticketing & Costs

CharlieCard vs. CharlieTicket vs. Cash

The CharlieCard is a reusable plastic card. Cost: Free for the card, add value. Fare: $2.40 for subway, $2.10 for bus. The CharlieTicket is a paper ticket. Fare: $2.90 for subway, $2.40 for bus. Cash on bus: $2.40 for Silver Line (but free from airport to South Station). For visitors: If you'll take multiple rides, get a CharlieCard at a station. For just airport transit, the Silver Line is free, so you might not need one.

Cost Comparison: The Real Math

Solo traveler: Silver Line $0 vs. Taxi $30 (save $30). Couple: Silver Line $0 vs. Taxi $30 (save $30). Family of 4: Silver Line $0 vs. Taxi $30 (save $30) but luggage space matters. Group of 4 with lots of luggage: UberXL $40 vs. Taxi $30 (taxi is cheaper). I've done all these calculations many times—the Silver Line almost always wins on pure cost, but convenience and time have value too, especially after a long flight with lots of luggage.

Traveler Experience: Getting to Boston from Logan Airport

Arriving at Logan Airport is generally straightforward. The airport has four terminals (A, B, C, E) connected by walkways and shuttles. After collecting your bags, you'll see signs for ground transportation. The walk to the Massport Shuttle can be 2-5 minutes. The whole arrival process is efficient, but during peak times (11 AM-2 PM, 7-10 PM), there can be lines for taxis and rideshare.

First-Time Visitor Experience

As a first-timer, it's straightforward: If taking the Silver Line, follow "Massport Shuttle" signs, take shuttle to Airport Station, board SL1. If taking a taxi, follow "Taxi" signs right outside baggage claim. If using rideshare, check your app for which parking area to go to. The airport is well-signed, but the Silver Line process confuses some—remember it's a free shuttle to a free bus. I've seen tourists try to walk to the Silver Line stop—don't, take the shuttle.

The Reality of Boston Tunnel Traffic

Boston tunnel traffic is notoriously bad, especially during rush hour. The Sumner and Ted Williams Tunnels can become parking lots. The Silver Line uses the Ted Williams Tunnel and has its own lane part of the way, but can still get stuck. The internet might say "15-20 minutes by car," but that's only at 3 AM. At 5 PM on a weekday, the same trip can take 40-50 minutes. I've sat in Friday evening traffic for 50 minutes from Logan to downtown—a trip the Silver Line makes in 25 minutes on a good day.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You arrive at 5:30 PM on a Friday with one suitcase. To save $30, you choose Uber over the Silver Line. The app says 20 minutes, $25. You request the ride, wait 10 minutes for pickup, then sit in bumper-to-bumper tunnel traffic. The trip takes 45 minutes and costs $30 with surge pricing. You arrive exhausted and frustrated. Meanwhile, another traveler took the Silver Line for free, spent $0, arrived in 30 minutes, and read a book the whole way. I see this miscalculation daily—during rush hour, the Silver Line is both more predictable and dramatically cheaper.

Practical Tips & Advice for Logan to Downtown

• With large luggage: Taxi or rideshare if you have more than one bag per person. The Silver Line has limited space and requires moving bags on/off shuttle and bus.
• First-time visitor tip: Take the Silver Line if you have one bag. It's free, reliable, and gives you a feel for the city. Save $30+ for a nice dinner.
• Late night arrival (after 1:00 AM): Taxi is your most reliable option. Rideshare is available but may have surge pricing. Silver Line runs every 30-40 minutes.
• Early morning flights: First Silver Line from South Station is around 5:30 AM, arriving Logan around 5:50 AM. For flights before 7:30 AM, consider a taxi to be safe.
• With kids: Rideshare or taxi is easiest. The Silver Line is doable with kids but requires managing them and luggage on shuttle and bus.
• Cost-saving tip: Silver Line for solo travelers. For 2+ people, compare: Silver Line $0 vs. rideshare $25. The Silver Line is always cheaper.
• Time-saving tip: During rush hour (4-7 PM), Silver Line is more predictable than car. At 10 PM, taxi is fastest if no traffic.
• Group travel: 1-3 people: Silver Line. 3-4 people: Compare rideshare vs. taxi cost. 4+ people: Taxi or UberXL.
• Buying tickets: Silver Line: Free from airport. Blue Line: CharlieCard/CharlieTicket at station. Taxi: Pay driver cash/credit. Rideshare: App.
• Weekend vs weekday: Silver Line runs similar schedule. Traffic is lighter on weekends. Rideshare may have surge pricing on weekend evenings.
• Hotel location: Most Financial District hotels are near South Station. Most Government Center hotels are near Blue Line stops.
• Return trip: From downtown to Logan, allow: Silver Line 20-30 minutes. Taxi/rideshare 15-30 minutes + traffic buffer.
• Mobile apps: Download: MBTA mTicket (for commuter rail), Uber/Lyft, Citymapper, Google Maps.
• Rainy/snowy weather: Silver Line is fine—you're covered. Taxi/rideshare means walking in bad weather to/from vehicle.
• Peak tourist season (June-August, September-October): All options are busier. Silver Line can be crowded with tourists. Rideshare may have surge pricing. Book private transfers in advance.
• Holiday travel: Allow extra time. The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year. All options will be overwhelmed.
• Accessibility: Silver Line and Blue Line are accessible. Taxis must accommodate wheelchairs. Notify rideshare in app if you need accessible vehicle.
• Safety: Silver Line is generally safe. Be aware of surroundings, especially late at night at South Station. Taxis are safest but most expensive.
• Bargaining: Not applicable. Taxis are metered. Silver Line is free. Rideshare shows price in app.
• Tipping: Taxi: 15-20%. Rideshare: Optional, 10-15% for good service. Silver Line: No tipping.

Frequently Asked Questions: Logan to Downtown Boston